Kerry
Clinical Nurse Consultant

Kerry has been a part of Silver Chain’s Hospice Care Service for 10 years and named the Western Australian Nurse of the Year in the 2006 Western Australian Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.  She says “I am very passionate about community palliative care and extremely proud to be working for Silver Chain’s Hospice Care Service.”  Kerry says that it is the inspiration and support she receives from other nurses that has made it possible for her to win the award.

“Community palliative care can help a person to stay at home with their family at a time when it is most important, whilst receiving the support and treatment necessary for optimising their quality of life.”  Talking about her colleagues she says that it is a special person who works in palliative care.  “You do this work to make a difference – if you did not believe that then you would not be able to keep doing the job.”

Kerry's belief and commitment to her work in palliative care was again recognised in June 2007 when she received an Order of Australian Medal (General Division) in the Queen's Birthday Awards.
 

 
Abdul
Care Aide

Abdul has been working with Silver Chain as a Care Aide for two years and he says that he absolutely loves the job.  Abdul made a major change to his lifestyle when he moved from a role as a machine operator in heavy industry to joining the aged and community care sector.

“When I was working in the factory I had to work shifts which didn’t leave me much time with my wife.  Now, with my work as a Care Aide, I can spend lots of time with my family, my wife and my little daughter Aiesha,” he says.

“As a Care Aide I get to meet lots of really interesting people, and I have learned so much about caring for other people and caring for myself."

Deb
Nursing Assistant

Deb is a Nursing Assistant at John Mercer Lodge, Silver Chain’s high care residential facility.  Deb, who has been working with Silver Chain for seven years as a carer, has also dabbled in other industries but is glad to be back doing what she loves – caring for others.

“I have worked all over Australia as a carer, working for various agencies and prior to this was a Detailed Electrician Draftswoman.  I am glad to be back working full time as a carer.  It is so rewarding, especially when I see what a difference I make to not only the residents’ lives, but their loved ones too.  It is amazing how even the small things can make all the difference."